John 13:1-17 Footwashing as a sign of Jesus’ love and example.
John again centers us on Passover as we begin this passage. Jesus and the disciples are preparing for the celebration. In chapter 12, they have come into Jerusalem, and Hosannas have been shouted, welcoming Jesus. John tells this story looking back in time, describing Judas and Jesus as though things were already decided.
As they gather at a meal, Jesus gets up, gets ready, and begins to wash the feet of the disciples. When he gets to Simon Peter, Peter protests. Jesus talks about washing, and what it is to be clean – not just talking about hygiene. Then Jesus tells them that if washing feet is not below him, it should not be below them. Instead, they should follow his example. This has often turned itself into the rite of foot washing in the church.
Jesus then gives the disciples directions about how they are to be. Messengers versus the ones who sent them, servants and masters, disciples and Jesus… You can follow the logic of the instruction. Yet I think John is couching it deeper. We go back to the start of this passage, and we hear “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” How deep is Christ’s love? How deep does our love go? What are we willing to do, and what are we not willing to do? Can we follow Christ’s example in love and not just in ritual?
